Method and apparatus for a retractable pneumatic line coupling protector

ABSTRACT

The invention protects an at least two component pneumatic coupling. One embodiment contains a spring stop rigidly coupled to one of the pneumatic coupling components, and a spring between the spring stop and a housing. The invention includes a method of protecting pneumatic coupling using an apparatus and the method of making the apparatus. Another embodiment uses a collect clamp coupled to the housing and a collet press matching the collet clamp. Various embodiments apply to trucks and trailers, and other embodiments also apply to rail cars.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to pneumatic line coupling protectors,particularly for truck-trailers and rail cars.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Air braking systems are commonly employed in commercial vehicles,particularly in truck-trailer vehicles. These systems use a pressurizedair pneumatic line with a coupling connecting the trailer brake systemto the truck brake system. This pressurized air pneumatic line is alsoknown as a pneumatic line. As used herein, a pneumatic line will referto a pressurized fluid pneumatic line, where the fluid may bepredominantly air, other gases, or liquids.

[0003]FIG. 1 shows a truck 10 with pneumatic line 20 coupled by coupling22 to pneumatic line 24 of trailer 12 to deliver the contents ofpneumatic line 20 to pneumatic line 24 as found in the prior art.

[0004]FIG. 2 shows a typical coupling 22 of FIG. 1 of the prior artshowing two coupling components 30 and 32 when connecting pneumaticlines 20 and 24 to deliver the contents of pneumatic line 20 topneumatic line 24. FIG. 3 shows the separated prior art couplingcomponents 30 and 32 of FIG. 2.

[0005] Coupling components 30 and 32, of FIGS. 2 and 3, create coupling22 by being placed together at about a right angle, then twisted to beessentially parallel. A coupling component pair will refer to pairs ofcomponents such as coupling components, 30 and 32, which can form acoupling 22 for pneumatic lines. When coupled 22, the truck 10 brakingsystem controls the trailer 12 braking system based upon the pressure inthe pneumatic line including 20-22-24. As used herein, the pneumaticcoupling 32 will be called the first pneumatic coupling. The pneumaticcoupling 30 will be called the second pneumatic coupling.

[0006] The standard braking system operates by assuming that lowpressure in the coupled pneumatic line 24, means that the brakes shouldbe applied. However, one problem frequently encountered with the priorart system is that when a truck-trailer turns at a sharp angle, there isa tendency for the coupling components 30-32 to be twisted out of theparallel arrangement shown in FIG. 2. When this happens, even when thecoupling remains engaged, there is often a loss of pressure in thepneumatic line 24 sufficient to cause the brakes of the trailer 12 tolock. When the trailer brakes lock up, the truck driver must leave thecab, and reassemble the coupling 22 to get the trailer brakes to unlock.

[0007] What is needed is a mechanism protecting a pneumatic coupling 22from being inadvertently twisted, that is easy to use and quick toapply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]FIGS. 4A to 6E show various aspects of an apparatus of theinvention, protecting a pneumatic coupling 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.The apparatus contains a spring stop 300 rigidly coupled to one of thepneumatic coupling components 30, 32, and a spring 200 between springstop 300 and housing 100. Spring 200 engages spring stop 300 and housing100 to urge housing 100 to essentially cover the pneumatic couplingcomponent. Spring stop 300 supports 120 pneumatic line 20, coupled tospring stop 300, and coupled to the pneumatic coupling component.

[0009] While one specific pneumatic coupling pair has been usedconsistently throughout this application, the invention is applicable toother pneumatic coupling pairs.

[0010] The invention includes apparatus preferably protecting pneumaticcoupling 22, which controls the braking system of trailer 12 by use ofpneumatic line 20 from truck 10, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] The method of making this apparatus is by assembling spring 200between spring stop 300 and housing 100, as shown in FIG. 6D.

[0012] This invention is easy to use, simple to make, and proven infield trials to protect the pneumatic coupling 22. It can be made from awide variety of materials, with both housing 100 and spring stop 300being made from essentially rigid materials, including, but not limitedto, any or all of the following: metals, composites like fiber glass, orhard plastics.

[0013] A prototype was constructed and tested using iron-based alloys.The spring stop was a nut 300 on a threaded pipe 310 mating to pneumaticline 20 on one end and second pneumatic coupling component 30 on theother end, as shown in FIGS. 4A-5.

[0014]FIGS. 7A to 7H show aspects of some alternative embodiments of theinvention, protecting a pneumatic coupling 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.The apparatus includes housing 100 coupled to collet clamp 130supporting pneumatic line 20 coupled to a pneumatic coupling pairmember, 30 or 32. The housing 100 is capable of both covering andrevealing at least the pneumatic coupling pair member. The apparatusalso includes collet press 140 matching collet clamp 130 and supportingpneumatic line 20. Whenever housing 100 is covering the pneumaticcoupling member and collet press 140 is tensioned on collect clamp 130,housing 100 can protect the pneumatic coupling. Whenever housing 100 isrevealing the pneumatic coupling member, the pneumatic coupling ismodifiable.

[0015] The method of protecting pneumatic coupling 22 is by thefollowing steps: Housing 100 is placed away from the pneumatic couplingcomponent 30 or 32, shown in FIG. 4A. Connecting the pneumatic couplingcomponents to create pneumatic coupling 22 is shown in FIG. 4B.Positioning housing 100 to essentially cover and protect pneumaticcoupling 22 from twisting, is shown in FIG. 5.

[0016] Placing of housing 100 away from the pneumatic coupling pairmember in FIG. 4A, further involves retracting housing 100 against theurging of spring 200 to expose the pneumatic coupling pair member. Thepositioning of housing 100, shown in FIG. 5, further includes releasinghousing 100 to essentially cover and protect pneumatic coupling 22 fromtwisting.

[0017] The mechanisms of FIGS. 7A to 7H, are used in a similar fashion.Placing of housing 100 away from the pneumatic coupling pair memberfurther involves moving housing 100 to expose the pneumatic couplingpair member. The positioning of housing 100, shown in FIG. 5, furtherincludes moving housing 100 to essentially cover the pneumatic couplingpair member of pneumatic coupling 22, and tensioning collet press 140onto collet clamp 130 to protect pneumatic coupling 22 from twisting.

[0018] The pneumatic coupling may be coupled to a pneumatic line of afirst rail car controlling a braking system of the first rail car by apneumatic line of a second rail car, or vice versa.

[0019] These and other advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed descriptions and studyingthe various figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a truck 10 with pneumatic line 20 coupled 22 topneumatic line 24 of trailer 12 to deliver the contents of pneumaticline 20 to pneumatic line 24 as found in the prior art;

[0021]FIG. 2 shows a typical coupling 22 of FIG. 1 of the prior artshowing two coupling components 30 and 32 when connecting pneumaticlines 20 and 24 to deliver the contents of pneumatic line 20 topneumatic line 24;

[0022]FIG. 3 shows the prior art coupling components 30 and 32 of FIG. 2separately;

[0023]FIG. 4A shows retracting housing 100 away from pneumatic couplingcomponent 30 against the urging of spring 200 against spring stop 100 toexpose pneumatic coupling component 30;

[0024]FIG. 4B shows creating pneumatic coupling 22 by connecting thepneumatic coupling pair members 30 and 32;

[0025]FIG. 5 shows releasing housing 100 to essentially cover andprotect pneumatic coupling 22 of FIG. 4B from twisting;

[0026]FIG. 6A shows housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 as a polygonal tube;

[0027]FIG. 6B shows housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 including a bonding site110, near housing end opposite said pneumatic coupling pair member, usedto mechanically couple spring to housing to engage spring, oralternatively a cover 110 located inside the housing 100;

[0028]FIG. 6C shows housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 as rectangular conduit andincluding a passage 110 supporting providing the content of a pneumaticline connected to the pneumatic coupling component;

[0029]FIG. 6D shows the assembly of an embodiment of the invention,including housing 100 with passage 110, spring 200 and spring stop 300,which supports providing pneumatic line content by being hollow withthreads 320 and 330;

[0030]FIG. 6E shows the example assembly of FIG. 6D further includingextension pipe 332;

[0031]FIGS. 7A and 7B show a side view and perspective view,respectively, of housing 100 face 110 and collet clamp 130;

[0032]FIG. 7C shows housing 100 and collect clamp 130 with collet press140 tensioned on collet clamp 130 and supporting pneumatic hose 20,clamping the housing on pneumatic line 20, which when covering thepneumatic coupling pair member, protects a pneumatic coupling of themember;

[0033]FIG. 7D shows an exploded view of one alternative for the elementsof FIG. 7C with a cross section of collet press 140 and collet clamp 130made of a bendable material;

[0034]FIG. 7E shows an exploded view of another alternative for theelements of FIG. 7C including collet clamp 130 including a collet threadmatching collet press 140 and a collet block 132 tensionable betweencollet thread and collet press 140;

[0035]FIG. 7F shows a side of housing 100 coupled with an assembledcollet clamp 130 supporting pneumatic line 20 and matching collet press140;

[0036]FIG. 7G shows a blow-up of the assembled collet clamp includingcollet clamp template 134 and collet clamp jaw 136 supporting pneumaticline 20; and

[0037]FIG. 7H shows an exploded view of the invention's apparatus ofFIG. 7H, showing housing 100 coupled with collet clamp template 134,collet clamp jaw 136, pneumatic pipe 20, and a cross section of colletpress 140.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038]FIGS. 4A to 6D show various aspects of an apparatus of theinvention protecting a two component pneumatic coupling 22 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The apparatus contains a spring stop 300 rigidly coupledto one of the pneumatic coupling pair members, 30 and 32, and a spring200 between spring stop 300 and housing 100. Spring 200 engages springstop 300 and housing 100 to urge housing 100 to essentially cover thepneumatic coupling component. Spring stop 300 supports 120 pneumaticline 20, coupled to spring stop 300, and coupled to the pneumaticcoupling pair member.

[0039]FIG. 4A shows housing 100 retracted away from pneumatic couplingcomponent 30 against the urging of spring 200 against spring stop 100 toexpose pneumatic coupling component 30. The housing 100 is preferablyrotated so that the housing catches on pneumatic coupling component 30.

[0040]FIG. 4B shows pneumatic coupling 22 created by connecting thepneumatic coupling pair members 30 and 32.

[0041]FIG. 5 shows housing 100 to essentially covering and protectingpneumatic coupling 22 of FIG. 4B from twisting, resulting from releasingthe housing 100 in FIG. 4B.

[0042] A prototype was constructed and tested using iron-based alloys.The spring stop was made as a nut 300 on a threaded pipe 310 mating topneumatic line 20 on one end and second pneumatic coupling component 30on the other end, as shown in FIGS. 4A-5. The mating of threaded pipe310 to second pneumatic coupling component 30 is shown in FIGS. 4A and4B.

[0043] This invention can be made from a wide variety of materials, withboth housing 100 and spring stop 300 being made from essentially rigidmaterials, including, but not limited to, any or all of the following:metals, composites like fiber glass, or hard plastics.

[0044] The method of protecting pneumatic coupling 22 is by thefollowing steps: Housing 100 is retracted away from the pneumaticcoupling component 30 or 32 against the urging of spring 200 to exposethe pneumatic coupling component as shown in FIG. 4A. Housing 100 ispreferably rotated to catch on the pneumatic coupling component.Connecting the pneumatic coupling components to create pneumaticcoupling 22 is shown in FIG. 4B. Releasing housing 100 to essentiallycover pneumatic coupling 22 and to protect pneumatic coupling 22 fromtwisting is shown in FIG. 5.

[0045]FIGS. 6A to 6E show various examples of housing 100 contemplatedby the invention.

[0046]FIG. 6A shows an example housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 as a polygonaltube with no cover 110.

[0047]FIG. 6B shows an example housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 including abonding site 110, near the housing 100 end opposite the pneumaticcoupling pair member, used to mechanically couple spring 200 to housing100 engaging the spring, or alternatively, a cover 110 located insidethe housing 100. Housing 100 also supports a pneumatic line goingthrough housing 100 to couple a pneumatic coupling pair member.

[0048]FIG. 6C shows an example housing 100 of FIGS. 4A-5 as arectangular conduit and including a passage 120 supporting pneumaticline connected to the pneumatic coupling pair member (which is notshown).

[0049]FIG. 6D shows an example assembly of an embodiment of theinvention, including housing 100 with cover 110 including passage 120,spring 200 and spring stop 300, which supporting a pneumatic line bybeing hollow with threads 320 and 330.

[0050]FIG. 6E shows the example assembly of FIG. 6D further includingextension pipe 332.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6D, spring stop 300 includes a plate as part ofa single piece including hollow cylinder 310 with threads 320 and 330 onopposite ends of cylinder 310. Spring stop 300 may be manufactured as asingle molded part, or alternatively, as the result of bonding twomolded parts. Threads 320 and 330 are preferably machined, but may bethe result of molding.

[0052] Housing 100 may be any of the following: a cylindrical pipe asshown in FIGS. 4A-5, a rectangular conduit as shown in FIG. 6C, and apolygonal tube as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0053]FIGS. 6C to 6E show examples of embodiments of the invention inwhich housing 100 further including a cover 110 near the housing 100 endopposite said pneumatic coupling pair member (not shown). In FIG. 6B,cover 110 is inside housing 100. In FIGS. 6C-6D, cover 110 is at housing100 end, opposite said pneumatic coupling pair member (not shown).

[0054] Cover 110 in FIGS. 6C to 6E, and bonding site 110 of FIG. 6B allprovide mechanisms for spring 200 to engage housing 100. Note thatspring 200 may further engage housing 100 by being coupled to the outersurface of housing 100. The coupling of spring 200 to the outer surfaceof housing 100 may be effected by at least any of the following:welding, binding, or an attachment mechanism such as a screw down. Thebinding may be the result of a gluing or soldering process.

[0055]FIGS. 6C-6E show including passage 120 supporting the pneumaticline 20, which can be coupled to spring stop 300, and coupled topneumatic coupling pair member 32 of FIGS. 4A-5.

[0056]FIGS. 6C and 6E show a preferred passage 120 as an essentiallyconvex shape, which has a center distinct from the center of cover 110,as well as distinct from the center of housing 100.

[0057] In other embodiments of the invention, passage 120 need not haveany or all of these properties. FIG. 6B shows a bonding site 110 insidehousing 100 as essentially a ridge, wherein passage 120 (which isunlabeled) has essentially the same center as at least housing 100.

[0058]FIG. 6B also shows a bonding site 110 near the end of housing 100opposite pneumatic coupling pair member 32 of FIGS. 4A-5, mechanicallycoupling spring 200 to housing 100 to engage spring 200. Bonding site110 is located inside housing 100 in FIG. 6B. One skilled in the artwill recognize that spring 200 may be bonded at a bonding sitealternatively found at the other end of housing 100, or on the outsideof housing 100 near the end opposite the pneumatic coupling pair member.

[0059] The method of making the apparatus shown in FIGS. 4A to 5, is byassembling spring 200 between spring stop 300 and housing 100, as shownin FIG. 6D.

[0060] This invention is easy to use, simple to make, and proven infield trials by the inventor to protect the pneumatic coupling 22. Itcan be made from a wide variety of materials, with both housing 100 andspring stop 300 being made from essentially rigid materials, including,but not limited to, any or all of the following: metals, composites likefiber glass, or hard plastics.

[0061]FIGS. 7A to 7H show aspects of some alternative embodiments of theinvention, protecting a pneumatic coupling 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.The apparatus includes housing 100 coupled to collet clamp 130supporting pneumatic line 20 coupled to a pneumatic coupling pairmember. The housing 100 is capable of both covering and revealing atleast the pneumatic coupling pair member. The apparatus also includescollet press 140 matching collet clamp 130 and supporting pneumatic line20. Whenever housing 100 is covering the pneumatic coupling pair memberand collet press 140 is tensioned on collect clamp 130, housing 100 canprotect pneumatic coupling 22. Whenever housing 100 is revealing thepneumatic coupling pair member, pneumatic coupling 22 is modifiable.

[0062]FIGS. 7A and 7B show a side view and perspective view,respectively, of housing 100, cover 110 and collet clamp 130.

[0063]FIG. 7C shows housing 100 and collect clamp 130 with collet press140 tensioned on collet clamp 130 and supporting pneumatic hose 20,clamping the housing on pneumatic line 20, which when covering thepneumatic coupling pair member, protects a pneumatic coupling of themember.

[0064]FIG. 7D shows an exploded view of one alternative for the elementsof FIG. 7C with a cross section of collet press 140 and collet clamp 130made of a bendable material.

[0065]FIG. 7E shows an exploded view of another alternative for theelements of FIG. 7C including collet clamp 130 including a collet threadmatching collet press 140 and a collet block 132 tensionable betweencollet thread and a cross section of collet press 140.

[0066]FIGS. 7F to 7H show housing 100 coupled with collet clamp 130,including collet clamp template 134 coupled to housing 100 and colletclamp jaw 136 aligned by collet clamp template 134, supporting pneumaticline 20 and matching collet press 140.

[0067]FIG. 7F shows a side of housing 100 coupled with an assembledcollet clamp 130 supporting pneumatic line 20 and matching collet press140.

[0068]FIG. 7G shows a blow-up of the assembled collet clamp includingcollet clamp template 134 and collet clamp jaw 136 supporting pneumaticline 20.

[0069]FIG. 7H shows an exploded view of the invention's apparatus ofFIG. 7H, showing housing 100 coupled with collet clamp template 134,collet clamp jaw 136, pneumatic pipe 20 and a cross section of colletpress 140.

[0070] The coupling of housing 100 to collet clamp 130 may be achievedin many ways, including, but not limited to, casting of one or moreparts, gluing, welding, or screwing housing 100 and collet clamp 130together.

[0071] Collet press 140 may be made from a variety of materials, atleast one essentially rigid material including composites, such as fiberglass, a hard plastic, and a metal alloy.

[0072] Making the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7A to 7H can be readily doneby the following. Inserting pneumatic line 20 through collet press 140.Inserting pneumatic line 20 through housing 100 and collet clamp 130 tomatch collet press 140. And coupling pneumatic line 20 to the pneumaticcoupling member, preferably 30.

[0073] The preceding embodiments have been provided by way of exampleand are not meant to constrain the scope of the following claims.

1. An apparatus protecting a pneumatic coupling of a first pneumaticcoupling component and of a second pneumatic coupling component,comprising: a spring stop rigidly coupled to a member of a pneumaticcoupling pair; wherein said pneumatic coupling pair includes said firstpneumatic coupling component and said second pneumatic couplingcomponent; and a spring between said spring stop and a housing; whereinsaid spring stop supports providing content of a pneumatic line, coupledto said spring stop, and coupled to said pneumatic coupling pair member;and said spring engages said spring stop and engages said housing tourge said housing to essentially cover at least said pneumatic couplingpair member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spring stop isfurther comprised of a member of the spring stop collection comprising:a nut engaging said spring and coupling to said pneumatic coupling pairmember; and a plate engaging said spring and coupling to said pneumaticcoupling pair member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housingis further comprised of a member of the housing coupling paircomprising: a cover, near an end of said housing opposite said pneumaticcoupling pair member, engaging said spring; and a bonding site, nearsaid housing end opposite said pneumatic coupling pair member,mechanically coupling said spring to said housing to engage said spring;wherein said cover is further comprised of a passage, which supportssaid pneumatic line, coupled to said spring stop, to said pneumaticcoupling pair member.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said cover isfurther comprised of a member of the collection comprising: said coveris inside said housing end opposite said pneumatic coupling pair member;and said cover is at said housing end opposite said pneumatic couplingpair member; wherein said bonding site is further comprised of a memberof the collection comprising: said bonding site is inside said housing;said bonding site is outside said housing; and said bonding site is atsaid housing end opposite said pneumatic coupling pair member.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein said passage includes at least one memberof the collection comprising: said passage has an essentially convexshape; said passage has a center distinct from the center of said cover;and said passage has a center distinct from the center of said housing.6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spring stop rigidly coupled tosaid pneumatic coupling pair member is further comprised of saidpneumatic coupling pair member coupled to a pipe; and said pipe coupledto said spring stop.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:said first pneumatic coupling component coupled to a trailer pneumaticline controlling a trailer braking system; and said second pneumaticcoupling component coupled to a truck pneumatic line used to controlsaid trailer braking system.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a member of the collection: said pneumatic coupling coupledto a pneumatic line of a first rail car controlling a braking system ofsaid first rail car by a pneumatic line of a second rail car; and saidpneumatic coupling coupled to said second rail car pneumatic linecontrolling a braking system of said second rail car by said first railcar pneumatic line; wherein said pneumatic coupling coupled to saidfirst rail car pneumatic line controlling said first rail car brakingsystem by said second rail car pneumatic line is further comprised of:said first pneumatic coupling component coupled to a pneumatic line of afirst rail car controlling a braking system of said first rail car; andsaid second pneumatic coupling component coupled to a pneumatic line ofa second rail car used to control said first rail car braking system;wherein said pneumatic coupling coupled to said second rail carpneumatic line controlling said second rail car braking system by saidfirst rail car pneumatic line is further comprised of: said secondpneumatic coupling component coupled to a pneumatic line of a first railcar controlling a braking system of said first rail car; and said firstpneumatic coupling component coupled to a pneumatic line of a secondrail car used to control said first rail car braking system.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is primarily composed of afirst essentially rigid material; wherein said spring stop is primarilycomposed of a second essentially rigid material; wherein a rigidmaterial collection is comprised of said first essentially rigidmaterial and said second rigid material; wherein at least one of saidrigid material collection members, includes at least one member of thecollection comprising hard plastics, composite materials, and metals;wherein said composite materials include fiber glass.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said housing includes a member of the collectioncomprising a cylindrical pipe, a rectangular conduit, and a polygonaltube.
 11. A method of making the apparatus of claim 1, comprising thestep of: assembling said spring between said spring stop and saidhousing;
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising a member of thecollection comprising the steps of: attaching a cover to said housing,near an end of said housing opposite said pneumatic coupling pairmember; and creating a bonding site, near said housing end opposite saidpneumatic coupling pair member, mechanically coupling said spring tosaid housing.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the stepof: creating a passage in said cover, which supports said pneumaticline, coupled to said spring stop, to said pneumatic coupling pairmember.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pneumatic coupling isformed by retracting said housing away from said pneumatic coupling pairmember against said urging of said spring to expose said pneumaticcoupling pair member, connecting said pneumatic coupling pair members,and releasing said housing to essentially cover said pneumatic couplingand to protect said pneumatic coupling from twisting.
 15. A method ofprotecting a pneumatic coupling of a first pneumatic coupling to asecond pneumatic coupling component, wherein a pneumatic coupling pairis comprised of said first pneumatic coupling component and said secondpneumatic collection component as members, wherein said methodcomprising the steps of: placing a housing away from said pneumaticcoupling pair member to expose said pneumatic coupling pair member;connecting said pneumatic coupling pair members to create said pneumaticcoupling; and positioning said housing to essentially cover saidpneumatic coupling and to protect said pneumatic coupling from twisting.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step placing said housing awayfrom said pneumatic coupling pair member is further comprised of thestep of: retracting said housing away from said pneumatic coupling pairmember to expose said pneumatic coupling pair member; wherein the steppositioning said housing is further comprised of the step of: releasingsaid housing to essentially cover said pneumatic coupling and to protectsaid pneumatic coupling from twisting.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising the step of: coupling an assembly including saidhousing urged against a spring by a spring stop to create a rigidcoupling between said pneumatic collection member and said spring stop.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step coupling said assembly isfurther comprised of the steps of: coupling said assembly to a pipe tocreate a rigid coupling between said pipe and said spring stop; andcoupling said pipe to said pneumatic collection member to create a rigidcoupling between said pneumatic collection member and said pipe.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the step retracting said housing is furthercomprised of the step of: rotating said housing to catch against saidpneumatic coupling pair member.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein thestep placing said housing away from said pneumatic coupling pair memberis further comprised of the step of: moving said housing away from saidpneumatic pair coupling member to expose said pneumatic coupling pairmember; wherein the step positioning said housing to essentially coversaid pneumatic coupling is further comprised of the steps of:positioning said housing to essentially cover said pneumatic couplingpair member; and tensioning a collet press matching a collet clampcoupled to said housing to protect said pneumatic coupling fromtwisting.
 21. An apparatus protecting a pneumatic coupling of a firstpneumatic coupling component and of a second pneumatic couplingcomponent, wherein a pneumatic coupling pair includes said firstpneumatic coupling component and said second pneumatic couplingcomponent, said apparatus, comprising: a housing coupled to a colletclamp supporting a pneumatic line coupled to a member of the pneumaticcoupling pair; wherein said housing is capable of both covering andrevealing at least said pneumatic coupling pair member; a collet pressmatching said collet clamp and supporting said pneumatic line; whereinwhenever said housing is covering said pneumatic coupling member andsaid collet press is tensioned on said collect clamp, said housingprotects said pneumatic coupling; and wherein whenever said housing isrevealing said pneumatic coupling member, said pneumatic coupling ismodifiable.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said housing couplesto said collet clamp away from a central axis of said housing.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein said collet clamp includes a collet clamptemplate coupled to said housing and a collet clamp jaw aligned by saidcollet clamp tamplate; and wherein at least said collet clamp templatesupports said pneumatic line.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinsaid collet clamp is primarily composed of a bendable materialinteracting with said collet press.
 25. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein said collet clamp includes a collet thread matching said colletpress and a collet block tensionable between said collect thread andsaid collet press; wherein said collect block supports said pneumaticline.
 26. A method of making the apparatus of claim 21, comprising thesteps of: inserting said pneumatic line through said collet press;inserting said pneumatic line through said housing and said collet clampto match said collet press; and coupling said pneumatic line to saidpneumatic coupling member.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein saidcollet clamp includes a collet clamp template coupled to said housingand a collet clamp jaw aligned by said collet clamp tamplate; and thestep inserting said pneumatic line through said housing and said colletclamp is further comprised of the steps of: inserting said pneumaticline through said collet clamp jaw to match said collet press; insertingsaid pneumatic line through said collet clamp template to align withsaid collet clamp jaw; and inserting said pneumatic line through saidhousing to couple to said collet clamp template.